Building a Resilient Faith: Deconstruction to Reconstruction
Summary
In today's message, we explored the complexities of faith and the importance of building a strong, resilient foundation for our beliefs. We began by acknowledging that life and faith are not always "awesome," as depicted in popular culture. Instead, faith often involves wrestling with doubts and re-evaluating what we've been taught. This process, known as deconstruction, can lead to a crisis of faith, but it also offers an opportunity for growth and maturity. We discussed three paths one might take during such a crisis: returning to damaging beliefs, walking away from faith altogether, or seeking a healthier foundation through reconstruction.
The goal of deconstruction is not to abandon faith but to reconstruct it on a more solid foundation. This involves examining old paradigms and considering new perspectives while retaining the core truths of Christianity. We emphasized the importance of building our faith on orthodox, doctrinal foundations, which provide stability and vibrancy. These foundations are not just about following rules but about cultivating a relationship with a loving and holy God.
We also introduced the concept of foundational and designer bricks in faith construction. Foundational bricks are the core doctrines and creeds that define Christianity, such as the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. Designer bricks, on the other hand, are biblically guided social stances that allow for gracious debate and diversity within the faith community.
The five key elements of a strong faith foundation are grace, faith, scripture, discipleship, and sacraments. Grace is the foundation footing, emphasizing God's unearned favor and love. Faith is the cornerstone, our response to God's love. Scripture serves as the blueprint, guiding our beliefs and actions. Discipleship is the slab, the basis for spiritual growth and community. Finally, sacraments are the pillars that support our faith journey.
In conclusion, faith is not about rigid certainty but about embracing the mystery of God and participating in a life of love and grace. As we continue to explore these foundational elements, may we find strength and clarity in our faith journey.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith as a Wrestling Match: Faith is not always straightforward; it often involves wrestling with doubts and re-evaluating beliefs. This struggle can lead to a deeper, more mature faith if approached with openness and a willingness to grow. [25:07]
2. Deconstruction and Reconstruction: Deconstruction is not about abandoning faith but about reconstructing it on a healthier foundation. This process involves examining old paradigms and considering new perspectives while retaining core Christian truths. [45:24]
3. Foundational vs. Designer Bricks: Foundational bricks are core doctrines that define Christianity, while designer bricks are biblically guided social stances that allow for diversity and debate within the faith community. [54:57]
4. The Five Elements of Faith: A strong faith foundation consists of grace, faith, scripture, discipleship, and sacraments. Each element plays a crucial role in building a resilient and vibrant faith. [58:33]
5. Faith as a Relationship: Faith is not about rigid certainty but about embracing the mystery of God and participating in a life of love and grace. It is about falling in love with the Creator and helping to release His kingdom on earth. [01:15:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [25:07] - The Reality of Faith Struggles
- [45:24] - Deconstruction and Reconstruction
- [51:06] - The Importance of Doctrine
- [54:57] - Foundational vs. Designer Bricks
- [58:33] - Five Elements of Faith
- [01:02:12] - Grace as the Foundation
- [01:05:38] - The Role of Grace in Faith
- [01:10:36] - Faith as the Cornerstone
- [01:12:27] - Understanding Faith and Love
- [01:15:15] - Embracing the Mystery of Faith
- [01:17:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 3:5-7
- John 3:16-17
- John 3:20-21
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three choices mentioned in the sermon that one might face during a crisis of faith? [25:07]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between foundational and designer bricks in the context of faith? [54:57]
3. According to the sermon, what are the five key elements of a strong faith foundation? [58:33]
4. What role does grace play in the foundation of faith as described in the sermon? [01:02:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of deconstruction and reconstruction of faith challenge traditional views of faith development? [45:24]
2. In what ways do foundational bricks, such as the Apostles' Creed, provide stability to one's faith journey? [54:57]
3. How does the sermon suggest that faith is more about a relationship than following rules? [51:06]
4. What implications does the sermon suggest about the role of grace in transforming our understanding of God? [01:05:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a crisis of faith. Which of the three paths mentioned in the sermon did you take, and what was the outcome? [25:07]
2. Consider the foundational and designer bricks in your own faith. Are there any designer bricks that you feel need re-evaluation or adjustment? [54:57]
3. How can you actively incorporate the five key elements of faith—grace, faith, scripture, discipleship, and sacraments—into your daily life? [58:33]
4. In what ways can you embrace the mystery of God in your faith journey, rather than seeking rigid certainty? [01:15:15]
5. Identify an area in your life where you might be relying more on rules than on a relationship with God. How can you shift your focus to cultivate a deeper relationship? [51:06]
6. How does understanding grace as the foundation of faith change your perspective on your spiritual journey? [01:02:12]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to respond to God's love with faith, as described in the sermon? [01:10:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Wrestling with Doubts Leads to Growth
Faith is not always straightforward; it often involves wrestling with doubts and re-evaluating beliefs. This struggle can lead to a deeper, more mature faith if approached with openness and a willingness to grow. In the journey of faith, doubts are not signs of weakness but opportunities for growth. Wrestling with these doubts allows individuals to re-evaluate what they have been taught and to seek a more profound understanding of their beliefs. This process can be challenging, but it is essential for developing a resilient and mature faith. By embracing the complexities of faith, believers can find strength and clarity in their spiritual journey. [25:07]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one doubt or question about your faith that you have been avoiding? How can you begin to explore this doubt with openness and a willingness to grow today?
Day 2: Reconstructing Faith on a Healthier Foundation
Deconstruction is not about abandoning faith but about reconstructing it on a healthier foundation. This process involves examining old paradigms and considering new perspectives while retaining core Christian truths. Deconstruction can lead to a crisis of faith, but it also offers an opportunity for growth and maturity. By seeking a healthier foundation through reconstruction, believers can build a faith that is both resilient and vibrant. This involves examining old paradigms and considering new perspectives while retaining the core truths of Christianity. [45:24]
"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)
Reflection: What is one belief or paradigm you need to re-examine in your faith journey? How can you begin to reconstruct this belief on a healthier foundation today?
Day 3: Embracing Diversity in Faith
Foundational bricks are core doctrines that define Christianity, while designer bricks are biblically guided social stances that allow for diversity and debate within the faith community. The concept of foundational and designer bricks in faith construction highlights the importance of both core doctrines and diversity within the faith community. Foundational bricks, such as the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed, provide stability and define Christianity. Designer bricks, on the other hand, allow for gracious debate and diversity, enabling believers to engage with different perspectives while remaining rooted in core truths. [54:57]
"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables." (Romans 14:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you engage in gracious debate and embrace diversity within your faith community today? What is one designer brick you can explore with an open mind?
Day 4: Building a Strong Faith Foundation
A strong faith foundation consists of grace, faith, scripture, discipleship, and sacraments. Each element plays a crucial role in building a resilient and vibrant faith. Grace is the foundation footing, emphasizing God's unearned favor and love. Faith is the cornerstone, our response to God's love. Scripture serves as the blueprint, guiding our beliefs and actions. Discipleship is the slab, the basis for spiritual growth and community. Finally, sacraments are the pillars that support our faith journey. Together, these elements create a strong and resilient faith foundation. [58:33]
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone." (Ephesians 2:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Which of the five elements of a strong faith foundation do you need to focus on strengthening today? How can you begin to incorporate this element into your daily life?
Day 5: Embracing the Mystery of Faith
Faith is not about rigid certainty but about embracing the mystery of God and participating in a life of love and grace. It is about falling in love with the Creator and helping to release His kingdom on earth. Embracing the mystery of faith involves recognizing that faith is not about rigid certainty but about participating in a life of love and grace. It is about falling in love with the Creator and helping to release His kingdom on earth. By embracing the mystery of God, believers can find strength and clarity in their faith journey, allowing them to live a life of love and grace. [01:15:15]
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embrace the mystery of God in your faith journey today? What is one way you can participate in a life of love and grace?
Quotes
"The second thing is you can walk away from God and church altogether, which we see millions of people doing. And then the third thing is, I think the healthiest, of course, is the search for a better foundation." [00:43:45] (15 seconds)
"There's some essential steps. There's some essential elements. There's some essential foundational building blocks, you could say, to construct and reconstruct faith to make it stronger and healthier. And throughout our series, you might have heard me, and you can go back, and I find myself to have said it, but you might have heard me say, hey, it's okay, examine old paradigms, take some of those things that we have learned and consider some new things." [00:45:24] (27 seconds)
"We are not God, and there is mystery when you deal with God. So we can't know all, all the answers on some things. But what I want to do today is explain some of the basics, some of the fundamental, essential things that help build our faith, the building blocks of faith that help us really reconstruct and re-using new paradigms at different times, but does not allow our faith to collapse under a weak foundation." [00:46:39] (32 seconds)
"The faith foundation contains absolute truths. We believe that as Christians. There was something called Deuteronomy in Leviticus, right? That you give to God and if he relate to what you agree to as a person, he says, absolute truths that we believe in. And it doesn't have to bow down to every cultural shift that's out there." [00:51:06] (15 seconds)
"The biblical truth is this, as I close the essence of faith is not about rigid certainty or it wouldn't be called faith. Faith is about rebirth. earth, as Jesus has called us to. It's about falling in love and wonder with the King of the universe and partaking in a life of love and grace and helping him release his kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven." [01:15:15] (32 seconds)
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